After 'Really Don't Care' Claim, Donald Trump Tells FIFA Iran Welcome To Play World Cup In USA

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 10:31 IST

FIFA President Infantino says US President Trump reassured him Iran is welcome at the 2026 World Cup.

With nearly three months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, there are concerns over the participation of Iran, currently at war with tournament co-hosts USA. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said he spoke to US President Donald Trump, who has reassured him that the Iranian football team is welcome to take part in the competition despite the ongoing Middle East crisis.

US will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran will play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood (California) before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days," Infantino wrote on Instagram.

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," he added.

The head of Iran Football Association has indicated that they may withdraw from the tournament as they “cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."

However, if Iran does withdraw, they might face sanctions including fines and possible ban from future FIFA tournaments.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World," Infantino concluded.

Earlier, Trump had told Politico he “really doesn’t care" whether Iran, the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, will skip the tournament.

News sports football After 'Really Don't Care' Claim, Donald Trump Tells FIFA Iran Welcome To Play World Cup In USA

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